US President Joe Biden spoke Friday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following up on humanitarian assistance plans agreed to earlier this week in Tel Aviv and discussing hostage relief efforts, the White House said, CNN reports.
“The President reaffirmed the United States’ support for Israel’s right to defend itself and obligation to protect its citizens, while underscoring the importance of operating consistent with the law of war to include the protection of civilians in Gaza caught in the conflict launched by Hamas," the White House said in a readout.
"The President and Prime Minister discussed follow-up from the President’s visit to Israel earlier this week, including plans to begin moving humanitarian assistance into Gaza from Egypt," the readout continued.
They also discussed “ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas – including US citizens –and to provide for safe passage for U.S. citizens and other civilians in Gaza,” the readout said.
The leaders and their teams have been in close contact since Hamas first attacked Israel on October 7. Biden met with Netanyahu on Wednesday in Tel Aviv, and the two spoke on October 8; 10 and 11.
